csec

CSEC stands for the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate. It is a standardized examination and credential administered by the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC). Typically taken by students at the end of secondary education in Caribbean countries, it follows about five years of schooling and serves as a key credential for admission to further study, scholarships, and some types of employment.

The CSEC was established in 1972 by inter-governmental agreement among Caribbean governments as the regional successor to the British O-Level and CSE examinations. It covers a broad range of subjects, including English, mathematics, sciences, social studies, modern languages, business, and technical or vocational subjects. Examinations generally include a mix of multiple-choice questions, structured-response items, and essays, with practical components in a subset of subjects. Results are reported on a graded scale from I to VI, with Grades I–III typically regarded as passes; the exact grade boundaries vary by subject and sitting.

Administration occurs annually in many member states, with common May/June sittings and occasional additional sessions for private candidates or specific subjects. Certificates are issued to those who meet the local and regional requirements. The CSEC credential is widely recognized by universities and employers in the Caribbean, as well as by many institutions internationally, and it often serves as a prerequisite for entry into higher education or vocational programs. Related regional qualifications include the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE).